Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held the Three-way Crossing Association in Rome on Sunday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized it as a “new beginning” in international relations between the two blocs.
In Vice President JD Vance’s opening comments, he called Europe a “significant ally” despite the fact that both Atlantic “are “sometimes disagreeings, like friends, on issues like trade.”
Von Der Leyen highlighted the important trading partnership between the two political parties. “In fact, we have the world’s largest trade relationship, with over $1.5 trillion per year, and are very intertwined.”
The EU Commission chief added, “Everyone knows the devil is in the details, but what brings us together is that we want to make a fair deal on both sides together.”
She also thanked the US for their involvement in using the moment to put Ukraine on the table to end Russia’s all-out war in Ukraine.
“What’s important now is certainly what we’re pushing forward and things are moving forward, and I think next week is very important to that,” pointed out von der Reyen.
Beyond Ukraine, the last issue raised was defense. Von Der Leyen acknowledged the need for EU countries to increase defence investment and said the European Commission has taken steps to promote this.
“This is why, as a (European) Commission, we have enabled the use of up to 800 billion euros over the next four years to invest in defence,” von der Reyen said.
Early on Sunday, Meloni, von der Reyen and Vance were all present at the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.
Additional sources •AP
